Already Miss Merle, Sonny And Leon

As 2016 comes to an end, it is natural to look back at the last 12 months and see what has been left behind. Looking backward is often filled with regrets. You miss the ones you have lost, but always seem hopeful about the year ahead.

Merle Haggard was a cornerstone of modern Country music. Like Willie and Johnny, you thought they would be around forever. Maybe Willie WILL be around forever.

Leon Russell was so talented as a soloist, producer and studio musician. What a talent! Sonny James was smooth as glass and outlived his fame. For those of us who got to enjoy his company, he was a gem. He retired way too soon. But that was his call.

What kind of year has this been? How about that return of Garth Brooks to the Entertainer of the Year at the CMAs? That was a huge story but somehow you expect such things from his excellency. Another day for one of the hardest working, smart, calculating Country stars in history. Remember the year ahead is the last of the three-year tour ... I am certain he has a lot of surprises before next December.

Garth at Yankee Stadium was pretty amazing despite the rain ... then there was the huge year of Chris Stapleton. He never did capture radio ... maybe in 2017 with a new album. Luke Bryan worked really hard on the road. Made a fortune and hopefully enjoyed his time.

The rise of the Nashville downtown Country bar will really hit in high gear in 2017. Many under construction. The Vegas Country lounge is supposed to be on the way back, too. Live club Country music. Everything old is new again if you wait long enough.

The year of the Country woman. In media, you would sure think so. I don't think that bears out in radio airplay. Many ladies on the front pages from Maren Morris to Kelsea. The promo people have been working overtime on both acts.

Miranda cruised back while Blake was on the TV and the Love Boat tabloids. Chesney says 2017 will be an off-year. Moved to Malibu? Is there anyone more mysterious?

Tim McGraw has a fantastic year only to be topped by the year ahead ... The new Soul to Soul tour .. .a possibly excellent movie role in The Shack ... His career is one for the books!

Alan Jackson back on the road in 2017 ... Randy Travis in the Hall of Fame with Charlie Daniels ... How sweet was that? Who gets in in 2017 ... I bet Dottie West ... and is Alan Jackson a possible?

Have I missed anyone that truly moved the Earth ... was there a song that owned the year? I can't remember one...

The CMA show was good this year! The highlights are still memorable ... quick, name three things you remember? I'm not might get in trouble ... Yes, for better or worse, the Chicks and Beyonce ... burned in my mind ... I loved Ms. Morris a lot as well ... Hope she has a good 2017 Grammy year...

The Judds are estranged. Brad and Carrie have got that host thing down; it is very obvious when you watch the other Country award shows.

Country is big and can get bigger. The songwriters are still getting screwed by streaming and I guess that has just been accepted. 2016 was about tour money ... The continued rise of the stream ... If I leaving something out not sure what..

Goodbye, 2016 you were okay ... not great but okay ... I think 2017 is going to be a very good year. Just a feeling.